Keeping College Affordable

Home | About Patty | Services | Newsroom | Issues | Contact May 16, 2012 Keeping College Affordable Last week, I joined with students and administrators at South Seattle Community College to host a rally in support of the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012. Unless Congress acts, interest rates for over 100,000 students across Washington state will double on July 1 st , which would add $1,000 to the cost of these loans for millions of Americans and will be one more strain for students and families already fighting to afford college in this tough economy. At the rally, I called on Republicans to end their filibuster of this bill and work with Democrats to keep rates low for millions of students. I will continue to fight to make sure we avoid the automatic increase on July 1 st.  We should be working to make it easier for students to afford college, not harder. Read more “Senator Murray rallies SSCC students to fight for student loan interest rate protection” – West Seattle Herald Continuing to Push for Stronger Violence Against Women Legislation Last week, House Republicans released their version of the Violence Against Women Act. The House bill, which passed with only Republican support and with strong bipartisan opposition, not only stripped the Senate version of the bill’s provisions making needed progress for LGBT, immigrant, and tribal victims, but also included dangerous rollbacks of existing protections for immigrant victims. I believe the House Republican version of VAWA is a giant step backward for victims of domestic violence.  This is dangerous and irresponsible and leaves women across the country more vulnerable to domestic abuse.  Where a person lives, who they love, or what their citizenship status may be should not determine whether or not their perpetrators are brought to justice. I’m glad that in the Senate we were able to come together around an inclusive, bipartisan bill, and I remain committed to fighting to make sure my colleagues in the House of Representatives will do the same.  We’ve made a lot of progress since VAWA was first passed in 1994, and I hope that my Republican colleagues will not insist on putting partisan politics ahead of protecting victims of domestic violence.  I will continue to fight in support of the Senate’s bipartisan bill, and to make sure that Republicans do not turn back the clock on the important progress that has been made. Read more Celebrating the Anniversary of Title IX Megan Rapinoe, midfielder for the Seattle Sounders Women, recalling how Title IX opened the door for her as a young athlete. A few weeks ago, I had the honor of joining with members of the Seattle Sounders Women and student athletes at Garfield High School in Seattle to mark the upcoming 40 thanniversary of Title IX, historic legislation that fundamentally changed the lives of women and girls across the country by allowing them equal access to athletic opportunities.  Members of the Sounders Women talked about the ways this legislation helped open doors for them when they were younger, and I discussed legislation I am currently cosponsoringThe High School Sports Information Collection Act in the Senate , that will strengthen the rights provided by Title IX, to ensure that future generations of young women are able to continue expanding opportunities and leveling the playing field.  “Sen. Murray teams up with Sounders Women to discuss Title IX” – Bothell Reporter Twitter Round-Up

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Patty Murray

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NOW Celebrates President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality

For Immediate Release Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116 NOW Celebrates President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill May 9, 2012 The National Organization for Women applauds President Barack Obama’s announcement today supporting marriage equality. The president’s statement marks a proud moment in history, and is an especially welcome antidote to yesterday’s vote in North Carolina enshrining discrimination into that state’s constitution. We commend President Obama for standing with the LGBT community and millions of others in this country who support marriage for same-sex couples. Marriage is recognized as a fundamental right in this country and, as such, it cannot legitimately be withheld from same-sex couples. We are dedicated to ensuring that lesbian and gay couples’ right to marry is legally recognized in all states and by the federal government. We know that this battle is far from over, and NOW will continue to fight for LGBT rights. In the coming months, NOW will join our grassroots activists and allied organizations to focus on states -- including Minnesota, Maryland, Maine and Washington -- where marriage measures are expected on the ballot in November. We call on the president to encourage voters in these these states to embrace his decision and vote to ensure equality and justice for all. ### NOW.org | Press Room | Read This Email Online | Support NOW's Work Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to NOW's emails.

NOW Renounces House Judiciary Vote Undermining Spirit and Intent of VAWA

For Immediate Release Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116 NOW Renounces House Judiciary Vote Undermining Spirit and Intent of VAWA Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill May 8, 2012 The National Organization for Women condemns the vote today in the House Judiciary Committee. In a 17-15 vote, the Republican-controlled committee passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that completely undermines the spirit of the landmark bill passed 18 years ago. Judge Ted Poe from Texas was the one Republican hero who voted against the bad bill in the end; though he has been a longtime champion of VAWA, it took courage for Poe to buck his party. The bill imposes cruel new reporting restrictions on immigrant survivors of violence -- eliminating confidentiality, putting victims in grave danger and empowering abusers. These provisions would be thrown out if the cases involved legal residents or citizens. Frankly, this second class treatment of women of color smacks of willful ignorance of the problem and hostility toward the victims. The committee refused to even allow consideration of a substitute bill offered by ranking minority member John Conyers (D-Mich.), which mirrors the "real" VAWA passed by the U.S. Senate on April 26 by a bipartisan vote of 68-31. Fifteen Republicans supported the Senate bill, while zero Republicans supported its House counterpart. This appears to be yet another ploy in the War on Women playbook, and Native American women, communities of color, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of violence are the targets this time. Instead of replicating or enhancing the Senate bill, House leaders not only added cruel immigration provisions but also stripped it of important improvements in programs, services and access to justice for un-served and underserved vulnerable communities. The House leadership just doesn't have the will or inclination to help Native victims in Indian Country, immigrant victims desperate for safe harbors, the LGBT survivors of violence who seek services and support, or students on our country's college campuses. NOW is stunned that Republicans voiced concern for "true victims" (their phrase) of sexual assault and domestic and dating violence at the same time they promoted and passed a bill that is heart-wrenchingly exclusionary and ignores the biases and disrespect that certain victims face when seeking help from the criminal justice system and access to life-saving services. We urge the full House to look carefully at the House Judiciary Committee's cruel and inadequate VAWA and compare it with the Senate-passed VAWA. Representatives must persuade the committee to reconsider its recommendations and report out a true VAWA that protects all victims. A vote for the harmful bill that shuts out victims who don't meet the GOP's idea of a "true victim" will follow House members all the way to the ballot box this November. ### NOW.org | Press Room | Read This Email Online | Support NOW's Work

Palestinian policewomen break traditional stereotypes

By Farhana DawoodBBC News, Hebron

Palestinian women stand in line behind their male counterparts

Continue reading the main story

Israel and the Palestinians

• Gazans 'inured' to endless conflict
• Israel's Iron Dome defence
• Palestinians' geographic divide
• The world's most expensive lemons

It is rare to see women police officers on the streets in any part of the Arab world.

But in the Palestinian territories where civil police are themselves, a relatively new concept, concerted efforts are under way to bring more women into the force.

In Hebron, the West Bank's biggest city, there are now about 50 women among the 900 police officers deployed locally.

Their presence challenges stereotypes but it is traditional values that make it necessary.

"The idea came about because Hebron is a conservative city and people didn't accept policemen entering and searching a house where women were present," says Hebron police chief, Brig Ramdan Awwad.

He says some Palestinian criminals have been taking advantage of strict religious and social codes to literally hide behind their wives' skirts.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

The plan is not to go inside any house without having a police woman with the team”

Brigadier Ramdan AwwadHebron Police Chief

Drug-dealers have used women as couriers, hiding contraband beneath their clothes in the certain knowledge that no Palestinian policeman would dare to search them.

Raids on suspects' homes have been fruitless because drugs and other illegal items were secreted with the women of the house.

The new women's police unit has ended this.

"The plan is not to go inside any house without having a police woman with the team," says Brigadier Awwad.

Turning heads

Women officers are given special riot training and proudly take part in raids alongside their male colleagues.

Insherah Abu Allam recalls one occasion when a team of male officers were denied access to search a house by its female residents.

She and her fellow women officers were also turned back so they scaled the walls and climbed onto the roof to gain entry.

Palestinian policewomen say they do not get special treatment

"The male officers and all the neighbours couldn't believe what they were seeing. They stood there watching in awe," says Insherah. "We do not see women in these types of roles in the West Bank."

The women also play an important role in community liaison, particularly with young Palestinians.

Wajeeha Tahboub is in charge of the Juveniles' Unit in Hebron.

"My unit was established a year ago. I specialise in dealing with people under the age of 18," she says.

"I work at increasing trust between the community and the police. I visit schools and talk to children about the police force."

Cultural shift

Such a role is important in terms of changing perceptions of the police.

Crimes among Palestinians are still often still settled between families. The Hebron Police are trying to encourage people to seek their help.

Community liason officers try to build up public trust in the police

A functioning police force is a key building block in the Palestinian's quest for statehood.

The Palestinian civil police force was set up after the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accords.

It is responsible for internal security and public order in areas fully controlled by the Palestinian Authority.

There is still co-operation with Israel, which says more effective West Bank policing will decrease the security threats it faces.

The new Palestinian police have received training and funds from the European Union and the United States.

They have encouraged the inclusion of women in the force. Several women have been appointed to high profile roles in the West Bank.

For her part, Wajeeda says her gender has never been an issue at work.

"The job in the police force is the same for men and women. There is no difference," she says.

However, Wajeeda and her female colleagues do get asked to pose for photographs more often then their male colleagues and say they are happy to oblige.

Demand Protection for Human Rights Journalist in Honduras

On April 14, 2012, Dina Meza received four calls on her mobile phone. When she phoned back, the caller claimed that he had dialed the wrong number, but ended the call by telling Dina, “Look after your pussy.”

Weeks earlier Dina Meza received two threats by text message with reference to sexual violence. The first said “We’ll burn your pussy with lime until you scream and the whole squad will enjoy it […] CAM.” The second also warned that she would “end up dead like people in the Aguán.” CAM is an acronym for Comando Álvarez Martinez, a pseudonym which has been used in threats to human rights activists and journalists in the aftermath of the 2009 coup d’état. Read More »

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UPDATED MAY 1, 2012 2:11 PM

Motherhood vs. Feminism

DEBATERS

• 

  Attachment Parenting Is Feminism

  MAYIM BIALIK, ACTRESS AND AUTHOR OF "BEYOND THE SLING"
• 

  Working Moms Are Right to Be Realistic

  HEATHER MCDONALD, COMEDIAN, PRODUCER AND AUTHOR
• 

  Good Riddance to Feminism!

  LASHAUN WILLIAMS, COLUMNIST AND BLOGGER
• 

  We Want Perfection, but Also Need Sleep

  ERICA JONG, AUTHOR
• 

  Martyr Mothering Has Drawbacks

  PAMELA DRUCKERMAN, AUTHOR, "BRINGING UP BÉBÉ"
• 

  It’s About Parenting, Not ‘Mothering’

  ANNIE URBAN, BLOGGER AT PHD IN PARENTING
• 

  Let’s Not Pass Judgment

  MARIA BLOIS, AUTHOR, "BABYWEARING"

INTRODUCTION

André da Loba

The U.S. publication of “The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women” by the French feminist Elisabeth Badinter is getting a lot of attention in the press; indeed, it’s a book club feature on the Motherlode blog in The New York Times.

Is Badinter right? Has women’s obsession with being the perfect mother destroyed feminism? In particular, has this trend of “attachment parenting” been bad for working moms?

READ THE DISCUSSION »

Senate Votes to Reauthorize Domestic Violence Act

Luke Sharrett for The New York Times

Senator John Cornyn of Texas, left, at a news conference in Washington on Thursday with advocates who work to fight abuse. Mr. Cornyn was among the Republicans who voiced concern about the Violence Against Women Act but said they would support it.

By JONATHAN WEISMAN

Published: April 26, 2012

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WASHINGTON — The Senate voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and expand its reach to American Indians and homosexuals, after Republicans opted to sidestep an expected partisan brawl.

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But a political fight still looms when the House takes up a version of the legislation next month that is shorn of the hot-button issues added in the Senate.

The final vote, 68 to 31, including 15 Republicans, belied the partisan maneuvering that preceded Senate action on the bill, which extended landmark legislation first passed in 1994 to give courts and law enforcement new tools to combat domestic violence.

The latest version — the third reauthorization since 2000 — followed tradition and was drafted by a Democrat, Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, and a Republican, Senator Michael D. Crapo of Idaho. But it ran into a wall of Republican opposition in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and cleared the committee in February without a Republican vote.

Amid partisan brawls over abortion and contraception, some Democrats saw the Violence Against Women Act as the next battle in what they framed as a Republican “war on women.” But Senate Republicans did not rise to the bait. Republican senators like John Cornyn of Texas made clear their concerns, but even before amendments to address those concerns were voted on, many of the same senators who had expressed reservations signaled that they would vote for the bill, regardless of whether it was changed. No Republicans spoke out against it before the final tally.

“I intend to vote for the underlying bill even with its flaws,” Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas announced even as she pressed for changes, including one that would limit advertising on Backpage.com, a Web site that has an “adult services” section.

If there are to be fireworks, they will have to come when the Senate version comes up against the House’s. House Republican women this week announced that they would introduce a version of the violence act when they return from next week’s recess, with a final House vote expected by mid-May.

The House bill is likely to be stripped of three provisions that have incensed some conservatives. One would subject non-Indian suspects of domestic violence to prosecution before tribal courts for crimes allegedly committed on reservations. Another would expand the number of temporary visas for illegal immigrant victims of domestic violence. The last would expand Violence Against Women Act protections to gay, bisexual or transgender victims of domestic abuse.

“We’re not going to be looking at the controversial issues,” said Representative Sandy Adams of Florida, who is the main sponsor of the impending House bill. 

Republicans say the American Indian courts provision could deny due process in some cases and could be ruled unconstitutional. They suggested Democrats were stealthily expanding “amnesty” to some illegal immigrants while pursuing pro-homosexual social policy under the guise of domestic violence legislation.

Stripping out those provisions, Mr. Leahy responded, “would result in abandoning some of the most vulnerable victims ... battered immigrants, Native women and victims in same-sex relationships.”

Mostly, however, Republican leaders accused Democrats of adding those provisions to the reauthorization expressly to pick a fight for political advantage. But it is unclear how potent those concerns will be. Only 36 senators voted Thursday for the version shorn of those measures.

For some conservative groups, however, even the core of the nearly 20-year-old law was unacceptable. The Concerned Women for America and Independent Women’s Forum had said the law had devolved into a “slush fund” for feminist causes that harms men unfairly and encourages the dissolution of marriages.

But from the beginning, many Republicans were declining to take up that cause. The legislation had five Republican co-sponsors, including Mr. Crapo, at its introduction. The two Republican senators facing the toughest re-election races, Dean Heller of Nevada and Scott P. Brown of Massachusetts, quickly signed on.

Democratic protests aside, the bill’s passage was secured well before the final vote was called when eight Republicans signed on as co-sponsors. The final vote was supported not only by moderate Republicans like Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, but also by Republican stalwarts like John McCain of Arizona and unflinching conservatives like David Vitter of Louisiana.

Jennifer Steinhauer contributed reporting.

A version of this article appeared in print on April 27, 2012, on page A13 of the New York edition with the headline: Senate Votes to Reauthorize Domestic Violence Act.

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